Although Mo Bandy is not one of country music’s most influential artists, he is one of Mississippi’s most famous musicians. He has played everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to President George Bush’s inauguration. He has over 5 top ten hits and was once a rodeo champion.

Bandy was born in Meridian, Mississippi, the birthplace of famous country musician Jimmie Rodgers. Jimmie Rodgers had a great impact on Bandy’s career because his grandfather once worked with Rodgers on the railroad. Bandy remained in Mississippi until the age of six when he moved to San Antonio, Texas where he lived his teenage years. In Texas, Bandy experienced  bronco busting and bull riding, but realizing that his future was not in the rodeo world, he turned to country music.

Although his music covered a variety of topics it was very stereotypical of most country music of the 70’s. Songs of drinking, divorce, cheating, love, and passion filled his albums giving him many top ten hits. Bandy made his big break in the late 70’s with "I Just Started Hating Cheating Songs Today" but after this hit critics said he had peaked and needed to return to his original music. Some said he was a "one hit wonder" but Bandy still had music to write.

Taking a few years to collect his work, Bandy came back in 1986 with a new record label. His new music had a "honky-tonk"   feel but didn’t gain him respect on the country music charts. Even so his song "Americana" did get him a spot on President George Bush’s inauguration program. Today Bandy performs at his own theater in Branson MO.